Fulham and Aston Villa are enjoying positive seasons under Marco Silva and Unai Emery respectively so this Saturday’s Premier League clash might prove to be a cracker.
The Cottagers are in eighth, while Villa are in fifth, hoping to break into the top four should results go their way this weekend.
Match Preview
Fulham Recent Form
Two weeks ago Fulham gave Man City a scare as they actually took the lead at the Etihad through Andreas Pereira before going on to lose 3-2. It was another good showing from them against a top team.
Prior to that game, they won two in a row versus Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, but were also eliminated from the League Cup on penalties by Preston.
Fulham Injury News
Jorge Cuenca and Carlos Vinicius remain absent for Fulham but Silva has two fresh injury issues to content with following the international break.
Sasa Lukic suffered a serious shoulder injury playing for Serbia, while Joachim Andersen withdrew from the Denmark squad due to a knock.
Last Fulham Lineup
Here’s how Fulham lined up against Man City.
Aston Villa Recent Form
Villa are attempting to secure four successive league victories against Fulham for the first time ever, and could move into the top four should they win as they play before all the teams above them.
They have drew their last two Premier League games against Ipswich and Manchester United, but sandwiched in between those draws came their most famous victory in decades as they beat Bayern Munich 1-0 in the Champions League.
Aston Villa Injury News
Emery has to contend with a number of injury issues at the moment. Ezri Konsa and Amadou Onana withdrew from the England and Belgium squads respectively and are doubts here, while the game will come too soon for John McGinn who has missed a number of weeks due to a hamstring problem. Jaden Philogene picked up a knock while with England under-21s.
Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings are long-term absentees but are close to a return having features for the under-21s recently.
Last Aston Villa Lineup
Here’s how Aston Villa lined up against Man Utd.
Fulham vs Aston Villa – who is the referee and VAR?
Referee: Darren England
Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Andrew Fox
Fourth official: Matt Donohue
VAR: Paul Tierney
Assistant VAR: Dan Cook
Fulham – Player To Watch
Adama Traore had one of those matches last time out where if his final product was better, Fulham might have one. He terrorised Man City with his pace and power on occasion but just lacked that final moment. Aston Villa will need to find a way to deal with him.
Aston Villa – Player To Watch
Ollie Watkins hasn’t scored in four games for club and country so he’ll be eager to stop the mini drought on Saturday, especially with Jhon Duran waiting in the wings to come off the bench.
Fulham vs Aston Villa – Prediction
Fulham have proved themselves to be a very capable outfit this season and acquitted themselves well against Man City even if they lost. Villa haven’t been at their effervescent best recently with two draws in a row in the Premier League.
Scoreline prediction – Fulham 2-2 Aston Villa
Fulham vs Aston Villa – Betting Tips
Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals Scored
– In four of Fulham’s last six home games, there has been over two goals scored.
– In four of Aston Villa’s last six away games, there has been over two goals scored.
– Fulham have scored in five and conceded in six of their last six home games, while Aston Villa have scored in four and conceded in five of their last six away games
Raul Jimenez to Score
– Raul Jimenez has scored first in two of Fulham’s last six league matches at home
